Get ski fit for your ski holiday

Posted on July 13, 2023 by Jim Duncombe

Get ski fit for your ski holiday

Ski for longer and ski better

Being ski fit for your ski holiday is essential for several reasons. It enhances your performance by improving your strength, endurance, balance, and agility, allowing you to ski with control and efficiency.

The biggest impact that being fit for your ski holiday will be that you will enjoy your time on the slopes even more. You will be able to take on bigger challenges, explore the whole of the Three Valleys and not get the midweek energy slump.

To help we asked our friends to make us a fitness video to ensure you are ski fit. So get ready for skiing and improve your muscular endurance, flexibility, strength and mobility so you can ski for longer and ski better.

Alpine Action Ski Fit Video

10-minute ski fit workout for Alpine Action from fitness guru Bay Fitness.

Start these exercise 4 weeks before your trip and do each exercise for 1 minute every day.

If you’re not too fit to start with you can perform each exercise for 20 seconds and build up until you can manage the full minute.

Take a look at all our chalets for 2023/24

Ski fitness breakdown

Exercise One – The Running Man
Exercise Two – Curtsey Lunge
Exercise Three – Side Step Squat
Exercise Four – Yoga Long Lunge
Exercise Five – Parallel Ski Jump
Exercise Six – Lunge and High Kick
Exercise Seven – Forward Diametric Jump
Exercise Eight – The Hindu Squat
Exercise Nine – The Dance of Warrior Two
Exercise Ten – Lunge and Rotate
Ski with www.alpineaction.co.uk

Get ski fit with www.bayfitness.co.uk

Ski Fitness Apps and Online workouts

There are plenty of other ways to get your fitness ready for skiing, like a fitness app. You may be using one to help you train and stay fit already, so check to see if you can tailor your workouts to improve the muscles and endurance you need for skiing.

SnowFit:

Prepare yourself for the upcoming skiing and snowboarding season with SnowFit workouts. These tailored exercises target your legs, arms, core, back, balance, mobility, and cardio fitness, ensuring you are in top shape. With seven workouts available, each offering multiple levels of difficulty, you can customize your training to suit your fitness level and goals. With over four hours of exercise in total, SnowFit provides a comprehensive fitness program to get you ready for the slopes.

Download the app

SkiFit:

SkiFit is designed specifically for skiers to improve their fitness and performance on the slopes. They also offer customized training plans, workout videos, and exercises targeting ski-specific muscles.

Watch SkiFit Videos

SkierFit:

The SkierFit app, available at joinfitapp.com, offers a specialized program designed to improve your fitness for skiing. The app provides a comprehensive training plan with exercises targeting the specific muscles and movements used in skiing. SkierFit focuses on enhancing your strength, endurance, balance, and agility to optimize your performance on the slopes. The program includes a variety of workouts and training sessions suitable for different fitness levels. By following the SkierFit program, you can enhance your skiing abilities, prevent injuries, and make the most of your ski adventures.

Try the SkierFit app

Ski Yoga

We are big advocates of Yoga or Snowga here at Alpine Action. We know that it helps strengthen muscles used for skiing and makes you more flexible, which is a big bonus for skiers.

Here are two of our favourite ski-focused yoga sessions on YouTube.

The first is this gentle one from the Ski improvement app Carv.

The second is a more intense yoga session from Erin at Five Parks Yoga. Quite a few of us in the team have been known to do this one religiously every week before and during the ski seasons.

Olympic skiers workouts

Bode Miller

If you’re looking for something more hardcore, you could check Bode Miller’s hardcore skiing workout.

Bode Miller’s workout

The workout includes a combination of exercises targeting the legs, core, and upper body, with an emphasis on explosive movements and functional training. Miller incorporates various activities such as weightlifting, plyometrics, balance exercises, and cardio workouts to improve his overall fitness and skiing performance. By following his rigorous routine, skiers can gain inspiration and ideas for their own training programs, aiming to enhance their skills and excel in the thrilling world of skiing.

Chemmy Alcott

Chemmy Alcott had a remarkable career as a British alpine ski racer, competing in multiple Winter Olympic Games and World Championships. She specialized in the speed events of downhill and super-G, where she showcased her exceptional skills and daring approach.

You can discover some of her secrets in this short Ski fitness video she made for the Ski Club or Great Britain.

Apres ski fitness

We have saunas or hot tubs in most our chalets. To some they are a relaxing treat at the end of the ski day. But they also have a real benifit for your body after a fun day on the slopes.

Saunas and hot tubs benefit skiers by promoting muscle relaxation, improving circulation, relieving stress, aiding in detoxification, and providing joint and pain relief. They offer a soothing and rejuvenating experience that helps skiers recover faster and enhance their overall well-being.

DISCOVER ALL OUR CATERED MERIBEL SKI CHALETS

How to ski in spring snow – Master the slush.

Posted on March 17, 2023 by Jim Duncombe

When spring arrives in the mountains, so do the warmer temperatures, blue skies and longer evenings.

In Meribel, the higher slopes remain colder to the end of the season, with snow hanging around well into May. Naturally, the lower slopes will start to melt, and the afternoon slush is hard to avoid.

But don’t let that put you off. Slush is fun. There is a reason we call it champaign powder. Plus the apres can start a little earlier!

Take advantage of spring skiing. Change your style and have a load of fun.

Here are some ideas and tips on how to master spring ski conditions and the slush.

Wider skis with more surface area provide better floatation on soft snow and make it easier to turn in slushy conditions.

To maintain balance and control, keep your weight centred over your skis and slightly forward. Avoid leaning back, as this will cause your skis to sink in the snow.

A wider stance provides better stability on soft snow and allows you to manoeuvre more effectively.

Slushy snow can be slower than other snow conditions, so be patient and use a slower pace to maintain control. Use shorter, quicker turns to maintain your balance and avoid catching an edge.

Ski in the morning

The snow is typically firmer in the morning, making it easier to carve turns and maintain control. Try to hit the slopes early and take a break during the warmest part of the day.

Warmer temperatures and wet snow require a different type of wax than other snow conditions. Make sure to use a wax that is designed for these conditions, or have your skis waxed by a professional.

Stay hydrated – Skiing in the sun and warmer temperatures can be dehydrating. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and avoid fatigue.

Try something new in the spring snow

Spring skiing can be a great time to try something new, such as skiing in the park or trying a new trick. Take advantage of the softer snow and warmer temperatures to challenge yourself and have fun.

Book a spring ski trip with us

Posted in Alpine Action, Meribel, Ski |

7 Reasons to embrace spring skiing

Posted on January 16, 2023 by Jim Duncombe

Spring skiing officially starts in the middle of March. Coincidentally that is when skiing gets more fun (if that is possible).

But why is springtime so good in the mountains and spring skiing so amazing? The resort vibe begins to change, manic February is over, the weather is good, and everyone is a little more chilled out. Plus the skiing is fantastic and holiday prices are a little lower.

If you need more convincing, here are some more reasons to hit the slopes in the spring.

Blue sky and fewer layers

The absolute best things about spring skiing are the bright sunshine and warm temperatures. Navigating piste after piste without having to shy away from taking cold lifts to the summit is a dream.

More skiing time for you

Because of the longer days, the lifts open later, so you can take your time at lunch instead of rushing back to ski the last few times.

Apres ski

Once the warm evenings arrive, apres goes to the next level. There is more outside partying, with bands and concerts all on the agenda.

Or if a more reflective after-ski is your style, then chilling out in the warm sun with an Aperol into the early evening is more than possible.

SPRING SKIING IN MERIBEL FROM £699PP

Spring skiing in Fresh snow

In contrast to the claim of sunny sky and warm weather, the spring mountains are also prone to a fresh dump of snow from time to time, so remember your fat skis.

Less skiiers

There are fewer skiers on the mountain in the springtime. This means fewer queues, more space on the piste and more fresh tracks in the late-season snowfall.

Ski Touring

Spring is the perfect time for ski touring: skin-friendly grip snow, mild temperatures, and the ideal chance to see marmots and ibex and the rest of nature waking up from hibernation.

Easter eggs are easier to find

Finally, if you have ever been on an easter egg hunt in your garden, you will know the difficulty of trying to find bright easter eggs in a blossoming spring garden. There is no such problem in the snow as the brightly wrapped eggs stand out in the snow.

SPRING SKIING IN MERIBEL FROM £699PP

Posted in Alpine Action, Meribel, Ski, Tips | Tagged spring skiing

Signs that spring is in the mountains

Posted on March 20, 2022 by Jim Duncombe

7 Signs that spring has arrived in the mountains

Fresh dumps of snow

Fresh Snow

The end of March and the start of April were once times that dedicated skiers would try and avoid the slopes. But over the last few years, these six weeks have seen an increase in big fresh dumps of snow. The snow that falls in spring may not stay around as long, but it is light, fluffy, and often accompanied by blue skies when it falls.

Outrageous tan lines

A goggle mark has always been more of a statement than a lax sunscreen application approach. But why stop at a goggle mark when there are T-shirt lines to collect on your arms, neck and rear. And the best time to get yours is during the spring months.

The sighting of Marmots

Marmot

To some these are mythical creatures that only exist in souvenir shops or the name of the piste where you were meant to meet your partner after their ski lesson. To others, the appearance of these giant rodents is a sign that spring is here and summer is on its way.

Mini Festivals

The alpine festival is a growing trend. Méribel alone can boast of the Ronnie Loves Music Festival and the Folie Douce Courchevel festival. Once the posters for these start to go up, we know that we are in for a good time and spring has arrived.

Rocks

piste sign meribel

Rocks are a part of the spring experience, and other than the ptex manufacturers, no one enjoys their appearance. First, the big ones that form the landscape start to appear, then slowly, smaller ones start to pop up on the lower slopes and busy intersections. By the season’s final week (if it hasn’t dumped), part of the game is to dodge the rocks.

Sunbathing lifties

An iconic ski resort image in spring is the sunbathing lift op. Over the years, the resorts have become more customer-focused and the role of the lift operator more responsible this sight happens less and less. But when it does, you can’t but think…. “I’d quite like that job”.

Puddles to skim

You know the drill. You spot a puddle or melted pond, point it out to your group, and watch someone effortlessly skim across it on skis. The challenge is on. One of your group heads back to the chalet early to dry off. In some resorts, this is now a major event. Don’t let your mate enter!

Take a look at our spring ski deals or call us for more information.

Posted in Alpine Action, Ski | Tagged Apres Ski, guides, holiday, La Tania, Meribel, Ski, skiing, spring skiing

Guide: Spring Skiing in Meribel

Posted on March 2, 2022 by Jim Duncombe

Why is Spring Skiing in Meribel so great!

Sunshine, smiley faces, parties, funny goggle marks and more snow than you might expect. Just a few of the things we love about Spring skiing in the Three Valleys.

In fact, Méribel in the spring comes with more than just a few perks.

In this blog we’re taking a closer look at the pros of a late season session on the slopes that’ll have you searching for all the Spring Ski deals and stocking up on the Factor 50 before you can say ‘have I got any annual leave left?’

Spring skiing is all about Location, Location, Location

Méribel’s enviable position, at the centre of the largest lift-linked ski area in the world with over 600km of marked pistes and 200 ski lifts serving a 110 square mile area, is a great base for exploring the tail-end of a season. Méribel, like La Tania, is of course well connected via lft and piste to the third valley of Val Thorens.

With 99% of its ski area above 2000m, it’s Europe’s highest major resort and one of its most snowsure from the start of the season right through to May. It even comes with a snow guarantee…

JOIN US FOR SOME SPRING SKIING: FROM £600 PER PERSON

The Snow…there’s more than you might expect.

With a winter’s worth of snow as a base, accumulations on Méribel’s upper slopes can regularly reach depths of 2 meters by March and April. We took a look at the spring snowfall records for the last five years and found that an average of almost 50cm fell during the last six weeks of the season, easily matching the snowfall recorded in December in those same seasons.

With the warmer temperatures and stronger sunshine though, snow quality can be more unpredictable, but fear not! Spring skiing just calls for a little pre-planning. We recommend taking to South facing runs such as Jerusalem in the morning and switching to the North facing ones, such as the Cote Brune, in the afternoons.

JOIN US FOR SOME SPRING SKIING: FROM £600 PER PERSON

The Pace of Life

Skiing on a bluebird day in the spring takes on a quality different to that of the winter. It becomes less about the standard adrenaline-fuelled stuff and more about an awe-filled exploration of the mountains.

The longer, warmer days mean that you can take the time to ‘smell the flowers’ as it were. There’s a sense of new growth, a natural unfurling of the summer to come which brings with it the inevitable buzz and potential of a seasonal shift. And this is what those mountain-top bar terraces were made for…

A World Away from the Piste

If you do get the odd day where conditions are less than perfect, it’s handy to know that there are some great alternatives to the slopes.

There are some really good non-ski activities that include paragliding, Ice skating, water parks and Ice Karting on offer in Meribel and The Three Valleys. And oh, did we mention the lovely, sunshine-filled Apres?

There are a lot of parties

There’s always something going on in the Three Valleys but it’s March and April that see the focus lie heavily on parties, charity music events and top notch festivals. Firm favourites such as March’s Ronnie Loves Music Festival and the legendary Three Valleys Charity day in April are just two great examples that complement a whole host of closing parties and the inevitable ‘drink the bar dry’ nights that see the season drawn to a very merry close.

Spring time skiing in Meribel and the Three Valleys is basically about excitable early mornings on the slopes and leisurely lines back towards an especially awesome apres scene that starts in the afternoon and continues late, late into the night.

JOIN US FOR SOME SPRING SKIING: FROM £600 PER PERSON

Posted in Alpine Action, Family Skiing, La Tania, Meribel, Ski | Tagged spring skiing

Where to watch skiing and snowboarding on TV

Posted on March 31, 2020 by Jim Duncombe

If you find your time away from the slopes too long, then you might want to know where you can watch skiing and snowboarding on the TV.

What’s the longest you can go without thinking about skiing? If you are like us, it might not be very long.

So in the long months between spring and winter, we have to get our fix online and on TV.

Here are some of the best places to find and watch skiing and snowboarding on TV and online.

Skiing and Snowboarding on Netflix

If you have a Netflix subscription, you probably won’t find your ski fix here but can get a small dose of alpine life watching the documentary Mountains. There are some feel-good ski based movies to watch such as Chalet Girl and Eddie the Eagle.

There is also The Chalet a revenge thriller where a group of friends head to a chalet in the French Alps for a wedding, or there is The Frozen Dead a police crime investigation mystery based in the Pyrenees.

Skiing and Snowboarding on Amazon Prime

Prime subscribers have a wider selection of more traditional ski and snowboard movies that feature actual skiing and snowboarding. For the race fan, there is the documentary Streif about putting on the classic Hahnenkamm race in Kitzbuhel.

Other ski films include White Wedding, Antagonist, Gunni Season and Japow.

For snowboarders, there is a little less to watch on Amazon Prime with just Yugen and Travis Rices’ Roadless of note. However, there is MXP: Most Xtreme Primate a film about a snowboarding chimpanzee and few episodes of Paw Patrol that feature the pups boarding.

Skiing and Snowboarding on Redbull TV

For anyone looking for a serious does of incredible skiing and snowboarding movies and TV shows look no further than the free online and digital channel from the energy drink company.

This is the media house that brought the world the game-changing Art of Flight, also on the channel are all of Rices’ other movies including The Fourth Phase.

There are load of ski films on there too, as well as live streams and replays of events like the Kings and Queens of Corbets. Dig deeper and find athlete session and behind the scene clips. There is also a documentary about an alpine search and rescue team called The Horn.

https://www.redbull.com/int-en/discover

Skiing and Snowboarding on YouTube

Obviously, there are endless ski, and snowboard viewing opportunities to be found on YouTube but to save you searching too much here are three recommendations.

Quicksilver: The clothing brand has a great channel with some seriously good snow flick in amongst the surfing.

https://www.youtube.com/user/Quiksilver/videos

FIS: The FIS has a channel for everything, from alpine to freestyle, Each channel has a combo of run replays, comp highlights and athlete interviews.

https://www.youtube.com/user/FISAlpine

Echo Boom: If your looking for some stylish snow films to drool over check our this YT channel. It has a huge selection of free and paid-for movies.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFw1qLNT4tw321EyssMXC8w

Freeride world tour on Facebook

During the winter the Freeride world tour is streamed live on various platforms including Facebook. And they also leave them there so you can watch full competition whenever you fancy.

FWT20 Season Highlights
4 groundbreaking competitions, new riders, new lines, new tricks! Check out the #FWT20 Season Highlights!
Posted by Freeride World Tour on Thursday, 26 March 2020

https://www.facebook.com/FreerideWorldTour

Skiing and Snowboarding on Eurosport

Don’t forget Eurosport. During the season it shows wall to wall winter sports events live. Many homes will get the channels free with Sky or Virgin media.

It is also available on smart TV and online for £39.99 a year.

When you are ready for some real skiing, give us a call or check out all our chalet holidays in Meribel and La Tania.

alpineaction.co.uk
01273 977 677

Alpine Action Ski Holidays in the Three Valleys
This is an Alpine Action ski holiday.2016/17 prices out now…!www.alpineaction.co.uk/prices-winter-16-17.htmMéribel – La Tania – Three Valleys – The world's biggest ski area#LoveMeribel #LoveLaTania
Posted by Alpine Action on Thursday, 21 January 2016

Posted in Alpine Action, Meribel, Ski, Whats On |

How to help your body recover from skiing or snowboarding

Posted on October 29, 2019 by Jim Duncombe

Our guide to how you can help your body recover from a day skiing or snowboarding : Get the most out of your ski trip.

Do you plan to get ski fit for your next trip only to put it off and then suddenly you’re on a plane and you haven’t done any relevant exercises?

Skiing and Snowboarding work parts of your body that you don’t use in everyday life.

If you aren’t “ski body” ready there are going to be parts of you that will ache after a day on the slopes.

There are things that you can do during the evening in your chalet to make you feel ready for the next day on the slopes.

Stretching

Stretching is one of the best ways to help your body recover after skiing, it will help you to avoid sore muscles the next day.

Stretching after a day of riding helps muscles return to their original position by removing the tension.

During your post ski stretching the circulation of blood will return to your muscles allowing them to recover and repair. Make sure that you focus on stretching your leg muscles, glutes and lower back.

Here is a handy warm down guide from ski expert Warren Smith.

Warm up

Warming your muscles up a few hours after exercises can really help ease the pain and get your body back to it’s full potential.

In most of our ski chalets you will find a hot tub or a sauna. Don’t mistake these for novelties that add a level of sophistication to your holiday, these are important bits of kit that can help your post-ski recovery.

Warming your body in a hot tub or sauna increases blood flow and allows more oxygen get to your muscles.

Experts advise that you wait for several hours before hopping into a sauna or a hot tub after skiing or snowboarding and to make sure that you are thoroughly hydrated.

Many sports therapists also suggest that you should wait until your a few days into your trip before indulging your muscles as the heat can also inflame your muscles and slow down the recovery.

… & in the morning

If you are an early riser or you don’t rush out onto the slopes you may want to use the time to warm up in the hot tub, sauna or shower. Warm muscles are less likely to be damaged during exercises.

GET FIT FOR YOUR NEXT SKI HOLIDAY

Massage

A great way to make sure you are ready for the next day on the slopes is to get a sports massage that works on the soft tissues around the most worked parts of your body.

A massage after skiing should focus on your lower back and knee area. Having your body looked after like this will aid your relaxation and increase your recovery.

Ice Bath

Out of all the techniques, this is probably the best at ensuring your muscles recover overnight.

The chances that your chalet will have enough ice on hand to do this is unlikely but don’t worry.

All you need is a bath at normal cold tap temperature, between 8°C and 10°C. The cold temperature will slow the inflammation and help get the recovery process working faster.

You should go for two sessions of five minutes with a warm-up in between. If there is a fresh dump of snow you could always jump in that.

Stay hydrated

All the above will be a waste of time if you don’t hydrate effectively at the end of the day.

We all know that at altitude you lose water from your body faster than at sea level. If you are then taking part in a strenuous activity such as skiing or snowboarding you will become dehydrated even quicker.

Your body needs liquid to help with repairing muscles as well as to extract the nutrients from your food during the digestion process.

Taking a drink directly after skiing will also lower your heart rate faster and ensure that you don’t spend the evening feeling fatigued. Please note that chalet wine is not an acceptable way to hydrate yourself!

As we mentioned at the start one options is to be ski fit for your trip.

Try this handy routine.

Posted in Alpine Action, Ski, Tips | Tagged La Tania, Meribel, Ski, Ski Fit, ski jobs, skiing, snowboarding

What’s new in the Three Valleys 2019/20

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Jim Duncombe

Discover what is new in the 3 Valleys this winter – Season 2019/20

Every year the resorts across the Three Valleys bring new upgrades to their ski areas, resorts and event offerings.

The 2019/20 winter season is no different with new runs, lifts and entertainment.

New runs in the Three Valleys

Meribel is opening two new red runs open in the Roc de Fer area at the top of the Olympic chairlift.

Up until now, this area has been served by blue slopes and the notorious black fun Face. The new runs will be called Gypaete and Daguet which can also be accessed from the Cherferie lift.

New ski zones in the Three Valleys

As more and more of us want freeride to be easier to access and safer Courchevel and Meribel are introducing such zones.

Meribel is upgrading its “Back to the Wild” freeride zone that can be found on the north-facing Mont de la Challe sector. Skiiers can access area that is area via the Roc de Tougne chair.

Courchevel is revamping the Creux Noirs area that was closed for the 2018/19 season.

It will reopen as an ungroomed controlled freeride area under the name The Freeride Lab and will be accessed by a new 350m drag lift that replaces the very dated chairlift.

Starting at the 2700m peak will be two red runs and one black run, but it also means better access to some of the areas best off-piste. This is a welcome return.

New Ski lifts in the Three Valleys.

In addition to the new Creux Noirs new drag lift Courchevel are making it easier for skiers to commute from Le Praz.

A new €27 million lift will depart from Le Praz and arrive directly into La Croisette complex in Courchevel centre. This will make it easier for skiers to get to the Plantrey chairlift, the slopes and the resort

The base of the lift will also feature a multi-use centre that includes parking and a children’s activity zone.

St Martin de Belleville is upgrading Saint Martin 1 gondola that is the main lift out of the village.

It will replace all the old cabins and increase lift speed further, and capacity will rise from 1,800 to 2,400 people per hour.

More snowmaking in Meribel

To serve the growing army of snowmaking machines that keep the ski slopes white more water is needed.

Meribel has expanded two reservoirs to help increase snowmaking on the Bouvreuil Rouge, Mûres Rouge, sections of Combe du Vallon, Choucas.

New for Families in the Three Valleys

The Yeti park in Meribel-Mottaret has introduced a no skis area so children can run around, play blow Himilyan horns, have a snack and chill out.

And in the Family Cool area near the Meribel Altiport, there will be a load of free entertainment during the school holidays.

Activities will include eagle shows, ice carving, biathlon taster sessions and other surprises.

More picnic areas in the Three Valleys

After the success of the log cabin picnic spot, Cabane des Trappeurs, Meribel are introducing the Refuge at the bottom of the Lagopède piste.

Its worth remembering that the Cabane des Trappeurs doesn’t just provide seating there is also glove-warmers and smartphone chargers.

New Bars in the Three Valleys

Val Thorens is opening a new Igloo village that will be home to an ice bar for drinks and a restaurant serving mountain classics like fondue.

Meribel welcomed the return of the popular Jacks bar. It’s absence last winter was noticed by all.

This winter it will open in a new home across the road from the Chaudanne in the building that previously housed the Meribar.

If you are thinking about skiing in the Three Valleys this winter take a look at our accommodation in La Tania and Meribel.

Posted in Alpine Action, Meribel, Ski, Snowboard, Whats On | Tagged Courchevel, guides, holiday, La Tania, Meribel, snowboard, snowboarding, three valleys

Our Guide to Keeping Warm on the Slopes

Posted on July 17, 2019 by Jim Duncombe

Find out how to stay warm on the slopes this season

We have over 25 years of experience providing catered chalet holidays and whilst we obviously share the poet Edith Sitwell’s love for a cosy home, an open fire, quality time with friends and family and fantastic food, we differ slightly in her assertion that it’s the only place we want to be.

Winter is, naturally, our favourite season. We start counting down the days from spring! Then after a long wait, it snows and it is finally time to get outside and play! There’s stunning scenery to be explored and fluffy powder crying out to be skied!

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” Edith Sitwell

But all this fun comes at a cold price and if, like us, you want to squeeze out every last second on the slopes during your ski holiday, staying as warm and dry as possible is paramount. Nobody wants to cut their day on the hill short because of the cold.

With this in mind we’ve put together some handy tips to help you stay warm and comfortable on the slopes the whole day long.

Food is Fuel

Start the day right with a good breakfast. However keen you are to get going, you need to put some fuel in the tank first! And eating makes you warmer!

Essentially, you are adding energy which serves to warm up the body. And the bonus is that you don’t have to worry about storing that energy as fat, as you’re sure to burn it all off in the day on the slopes. (Ah, the joys of a guilt-free full English or continental breakfast feast!)

Breakfast might be the most important meal of the day, but with all that shredding planned, you’re going to need to keep refuelling.

Pack some snacks, (granola or cereal bars are our go-to), and then make the most of a reinvigorating lunch at one of the great mountain restaurants.

Go for something nice and warm but avoid an afternoon energy-slump by skipping anything too rich or particularly carb heavy (we know you won’t), save that for dinner at the chalet!

Layer Up

Verb: To dress in multiple layers before heading out. Done to protect oneself from cold elements or just to look mad fresh. (UrbanDictionary.com)

We’re talking here about urbandictionary.com’s first definition here, but hey, if you want to look ‘mad fresh’ in the process who are we to judge. We’ve seen all sorts of trends come and go!

Seriously though, layers help trap small pockets of air and multiple layers are always better that one chunky ski jacket. Start with a Merino wool thermal layer which, unlike cotton, will still trap air even if it gets wet, then add a down filled mid-layer and a waterproof shell jacket.

Make sure you do up your jacket’s powder skirt and tuck in all those layers carefully, to avoid the dreaded shovel-full of snow up your back when you fall over (hey, it happens to the best of us).

Extremities in Extreme Cold

Cold head, hands and feet are the skier or snowboarder’s nemesis and sometimes, however good the conditions are, can be cause-enough to abandon slope. Combat really cold hands with a combination of mittens along with a silk glove liner and consider using a pair of hand warmers. They’re small, inexpensive and easily inserted into ski gloves and even boots.

Ski socks have come along way from the extra-thick chunky variety that ultimately restricts your circulation and it really pays to invest in some good quality thinner pairs. When it comes to feet, think merino wool again. With its excellent wicking properties, it will help your feet to keep dry and regulate body temperature. And of course, if you have them, make use of your chalet’s boot-warmers! It’s so important to start your day with dry-as-a-bone kit. If you don’t you’ll find it impossible to get warm.

Let’s face it: there are always going to be people that look great in any hat they put on their head and those that, well, just aren’t. But whichever group you fall into, some form of headwear is imperative on the mountain.

There are traditional wooly hats, helmets, snoods, buffs and balaclavas to choose from and the most important thing is that they help you conserve body heat and protect those ears from the wind chill. You can also try neck gaiters to keep out the drafts and snow.

Take A Break

If you’re out on the slopes and you can feel the cold creeping in uncomfortably so, despite good eating and good dressing, we highly recommend taking a break for a hot choc or a vin chaud. Or maybe just take yourself off to the new Legends Chairlift that runs from the Chaudanne area up to the top of the Elements Park. It has covered and heated seats!

Posted in Alpine Action, Ski, Tips | Tagged keeping warm

Six Reasons To Work a Season in the 3 Valleys

Posted on June 24, 2019 by Jim Duncombe

Find out why so many pick the Three Valleys to *work a season in. They say it is one of the best things you’ll ever do in your life. No probably about it!***

If you are looking for the best winter season experience and a job to match then look no further that Meribel or La Tania in the 3 Valleys with us.

Here are our top 6 reasons why seasons in the 3 valleys are so good.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WORKING A WINTER IN THE THREE VALLEYS

1.Sheer Scale

“Méribel is part of the largest ski domain in the world, with more than 370 miles of managed pistes. We skied non-stop for four days and barely scratched the surface of what was available.” Jon Sopel

When you’re in Méribel, you’re slap bang in the middle of the biggest linked ski area in the world, and with a Three Valleys Ski Pass, no two days will ever be the same, even over the space of a full season.

With over 600Km of accessible pistes including 328 downhill skiing pistes, 166 ski lifts and more than 2300 snow cannons, there’s no doing the same run every day here! Think adventure, think mountain exploration, think getting off the beaten track, think world-class lift systems that mean less waiting and more skiing.

By the end of the season, you’ll definitely have scratched that surface. In fact, you’ll be seeing how quickly you can ski into every village in the Three Valleys, still manage some quality pit stops in each and be back in time for work.

2.Quality as well as Quantity

So we get it, The Three Valleys is a big place. But thanks to its natural domain, the fact that 85% of the ski area is above 1800m and the impressive number of snow canons throughout the valleys, snow is guaranteed all season.

And over 70 grooming machines ensure that conditions are kept tip-top. Early morning corduroy anybody?

2.Powder Days

“One can never be bored by powder skiing because it is a special gift of the relationship between earth and sky. It only comes in sufficient amounts in particular places, at certain times on this earth; it lasts only a limited amount of time before sun or wind changes it. People devote their lives to it for the pleasure of being so purely played by gravity and snow.”– Dolores LaChapelle, Earth Wisdom, 1978

Ah, the elusive perfect powder day. If your skiing has been limited to a week here or there, truly epic powder days have probably been few and far between.

In Meribel, there is a world of fun to be had beyond the marked and bashed runs. Regular dumps of snow and extensive off-piste means your season will see you chalk up some of the most exhilarating powder days of your life.

And let’s face it, if you’re working in Meribel for five months, you’re gonna be privy to a fair few of them.

3. The SnowParks

Work on those Profile Pictures…

Over the course of a season in Meribel and the Three Valleys, you’re going to get lots of opportunities to practice those bonks and pops in the parks.

Give your Park confidence a literal boost by trying out the awesome Jump’Air at Val Thorens. The giant air cushion is the perfect solution if you want to learn or improve your freestyle skiing or snowboard technique.

The early weeks will probably see you at Elements, with its multiple kickers, rails and rollers, eagerly watching replays of your first successes, and before you know it you’ll be ripping it up at the DC Area 43 Park with the big boys and girls. And that perfectly timed photo of you nailing that corkscrew 720 will be a profile pic for months!

4. Awesome Apres and Festival Fever

It’s nothing new to say Méribel has an amazing Apres scene. And sure, if you want to party every night, Meribel and its host of bars and clubs can provide.

The institutions that are Follie Douce and The Rond Pont (AKA the Ronnie) never fail to disappoint and with five months in the resort you’re going to have some ‘memorable’ experiences!

But the Apres scene in Meribel is nicely balanced, with bars like Barometer offering a more chilled night out. Because even the most seasoned party animal will want a quieter night every now and then, especially pre-transfer day!

The Three Valleys also hosts a number of festivals and live music events featuring international artists throughout the season. And by ensuring you’re here all season, the stress of trying to book your holiday to coincide with at least one of them is no more! FOMO be gone!

5. Apparently, in the Three Valleys, people do things other than throwing themselves down a hill with planks of wood strapped to their feet…

That’s right, your downtime after work doesn’t have to be limited to epic powder days, park time and shredding the slopes (I mean, that might get boring right? …right?)

There are actually all sorts of other activities to try including Husky sledging, helicopter rides, ice skating and snowmobiling. As well as the opportunity to go all ‘Top Gear’ and have a go at Ice Driving. That’s definitely one to remember!

5. Friends in High Places

When we asked our staff what they love about working a season, they all said, erm, being able to ski five days a week, for five long snowy months, on some of the best slopes in the world?

But on an equal footing, was the fact they’d all made friends for life. There’s a camaraderie between season workers that quickly creates a special bond.

Everyone working there shares the love for all things winter…the powder days, the clear crisp mornings, the stunning scenery, the awesome Apres scene. While no-one ever said working a season was an easy job, the friendships made on the slopes see you through any tough times!

Check out our recruitment page here, and we’ll look forward to seeing you on the slopes for an epic season…

Posted in Alpine Action, La Tania, Meribel, Ski | Tagged ski jobs

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“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” Edith Sitwell

Food is Fuel

Find out why so many pick the Three Valleys to work a season in. They say it is one of the best things you’ll ever do in your life. No probably about it!

1.Sheer Scale

2.Quality as well as Quantity

2.Powder Days

3. The SnowParks

5. Apparently, in the Three Valleys, people do things other than throwing themselves down a hill with planks of wood strapped to their feet…

5. Friends in High Places

Meribel Chalet Holidays

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Find out why so many pick the Three Valleys to *work a season in. They say it is one of the best things you’ll ever do in your life. No probably about it!***